What is an AC Blower Motor?
The AC Blower Motor, not to be confused with AC Fan motor, is responsible for the air circulation inside your home, whether the HVAC system is in heating or cooling mode. Without a functioning Blower Motor, an AC system will not cool your home.
Is there a difference between an HVAC Blower Motor and an AC Blower Motor?
No, an AC Blower Motor and HVAC Blower Motor are essentially the same thing. It is referred to as an HVAC blower motor because it is responsible for circulating air in both heating and cooling cycles for the home.
Even though people often refer to the Blower Motor as an AC Blower Motor, it is actually located inside of the HVAC systems furnace or air handler!
The HVAC Blower Motor is located towards the bottom side of the furnace, or top of an air handler, and is a cylindrical shaped fan that looks somewhat like a hamster wheel. The HVAC blower spins to draw air from the home into the furnace or air handler and, once conditioned, back into the home where it will heat or cool the space.
The 3 different types of HVAC Blower Motors
- Single Stage
- Constant Torque
- Variable Speed
A Single Stage AC blower motor functions only at one speed, 100%. This type of fan is either ‘OFF’ or running at ‘FULL’ 100% capacity. Similar to a light bulb without a dimmer.
A Constant Torque AC blower motor has 2 speeds. This equipment ramps up in a slow progressive way which causes less stress to the HVAC blower motor. This enables your AC to operate at a slightly higher efficiency then it would with a single stage.
A Variable Speed AC motor blower does exactly what the word implies, it can operate at varying speeds in 1% increments all the way up to 100%. The biggest advantage to this type of HVAC blower motor is, when matched with the correct thermostat, it can provide humidity control to the home.
Key Benefits of a Variable Speed Blower Motor
- Humidity Control Provides Better Overall Comfort
- More Efficient Operation of the Air Conditioning Unit
- Better Circulation of Air Resulting in Better Indoor Air Quality
How does a variable speed AC motor blower control humidity?
The AC motor blower can also be utilized as a built in dehumidification system when it’s variable speed but it must be paired with a thermostat able to control this functionality.
How does a variable speed HVAC Blower Motor dehumidify?
Once a desired temperature is achieved, a ‘smart’ thermostat tells the HVAC Blower Motor to slow down so it provides just enough airflow to maintain a steady, constant temperature at the thermostat. Since there’s still airflow moving through the evaporator coil it can continue to pull additional moisture from the air until it archives the desired humidity level.
How Long Should an AC Blower Motor Last?
HVAC blower motors last 15-25 years on average and the longevity of these components can depend on the manufacturer, the installation itself, and the ease or restriction of air flow to the unit.
When should I consider replacing my HVAC Blower Motor?
- Fan cannot maintain proper indoor temperature
- Component is making ‘funny’ noises
- Complete Blower Fan Motor Failure
How much does it cost to replace an AC Blower Motor?
The average price of an AC Blower Motor replacement in 2020 is $425 with prices ranging from $200 – $2000 depending on equipment type / availability, warranty, accessibility to the fan itself, and installation location.
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